The Art Deco Society of California hosted the 30th Art Deco Preservation Ball at Bimbo's 365 Club on May 10. Alexandra Montani and Angie Major pose for the camera in retro glam full-length gowns.

The Art Deco Society of California hosted the 30th Art Deco Preservation Ball at Bimbo's 365 Club on May 10. Alexandra Montani and Angie Major pose for the camera in retro glam full-length gowns.

Photo: Devin Begley

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The Decobelles have been dancing since 1989, and this year paid tribute to Aquacade star Esther Williams. Williams was the featured performer at the 1939 World’s Fair on Treasure Island in the Billy Rose Aquacade. less

The Decobelles have been dancing since 1989, and this year paid tribute to Aquacade star Esther Williams. Williams was the featured performer at the 1939 World’s Fair on Treasure Island in the Billy Rose ... more

Photo: Devin Begley

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Monica Lenk and Sam Simmons wear clothes inspired by the 1920s through 1940s.

Monica Lenk and Sam Simmons wear clothes inspired by the 1920s through 1940s.

Photo: Devin Begley

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Les Belles Can Can Dancers at the Art Deco Preservation Ball May 10.

Les Belles Can Can Dancers at the Art Deco Preservation Ball May 10.

Photo: Devin Begley

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The Art Deco Society of California hosted the 30th Art Deco Preservation Ball at Bimbo's 365 Club on May 10. Far right is Esther Williams' grandson Thomas Woodward.

The Art Deco Society of California hosted the 30th Art Deco Preservation Ball at Bimbo's 365 Club on May 10. Far right is Esther Williams' grandson Thomas Woodward.

Photo: Devin Begley

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Daniel SIlveira and Autumn Adamme at the 30th Art Deco Preservation Ball at Bimbo's 365 Club on May 10.

Daniel SIlveira and Autumn Adamme at the 30th Art Deco Preservation Ball at Bimbo's 365 Club on May 10.

Photo: Devin Begley

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Erin Mahoney and Bernie Schindler at the 30th Art Deco Preservation Ball at Bimbo's 365 Club on May 10.

Erin Mahoney and Bernie Schindler at the 30th Art Deco Preservation Ball at Bimbo's 365 Club on May 10.

Photo: Devin Begley

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The Art Deco Society of California hosted the 30th Art Deco Preservation Ball at Bimbo's 365 Club on May 10.

The Art Deco Society of California hosted the 30th Art Deco Preservation Ball at Bimbo's 365 Club on May 10.

Photo: Devin Begley

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Gayle and Jim LIpman at the 30th Art Deco Preservation Ball at Bimbo's 365 Club on May 10.

Gayle and Jim LIpman at the 30th Art Deco Preservation Ball at Bimbo's 365 Club on May 10.

Photo: Devin Begley

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The Art Deco Society of California hosted the 30th Art Deco Preservation Ball at Bimbo's 365 Club on May 10.

The Art Deco Society of California hosted the 30th Art Deco Preservation Ball at Bimbo's 365 Club on May 10.

Photo: Jim Lipman

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Angie Major, JIm Lipman and Kristi Major at the 30th Art Deco Preservation Ball at Bimbo's 365 Club on May 10.

Angie Major, JIm Lipman and Kristi Major at the 30th Art Deco Preservation Ball at Bimbo's 365 Club on May 10.

Photo: Jim Lipman

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The Decobelles at the 30th Art Deco Society Preservation Ball.

The Decobelles at the 30th Art Deco Society Preservation Ball.

Photo: Jim Lipman

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Laurie Gordon, Event Chair with Richard Fishman and Rusty Frank and the 1939 Yellow Buick that was displayed at the 1939 World’s Fair on Treasure Island,

Laurie Gordon, Event Chair with Richard Fishman and Rusty Frank and the 1939 Yellow Buick that was displayed at the 1939 World’s Fair on Treasure Island,

Photo: Devin Begley

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Jaime Morales and Katrina Haus at the 30th Art Deco Preservation Ball at Bimbo's 365 Club on May 10.

Jaime Morales and Katrina Haus at the 30th Art Deco Preservation Ball at Bimbo's 365 Club on May 10.

Photo: Devin Begley

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Katrina Kroetch and Lynx Smith at the 30th Art Deco Preservation Ball at Bimbo's 365 Club on May 10.

Katrina Kroetch and Lynx Smith at the 30th Art Deco Preservation Ball at Bimbo's 365 Club on May 10.

Photo: Devin Begley

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Paul Greer and Tara Prescott at the 30th Art Deco Preservation Ball at Bimbo's 365 Club on May 10. Prescott is wearing a gown by Theresa LaQuey, inspired by the Chanel “Fireworks” dress of 1938.

Paul Greer and Tara Prescott at the 30th Art Deco Preservation Ball at Bimbo's 365 Club on May 10. Prescott is wearing a gown by Theresa LaQuey, inspired by the Chanel “Fireworks” dress of 1938.

Photo: Devin Begley

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Sara Klotz de Aguilar and Raul Aguilar at the 30th Art Deco Preservation Ball at Bimbo's 365 Club on May 10.

Sara Klotz de Aguilar and Raul Aguilar at the 30th Art Deco Preservation Ball at Bimbo's 365 Club on May 10.

Photo: Devin Begley

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Art Deco Preservation Ball: How to party like it's 1939

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If San Francisco is the Paris of the West, it’s fitting that a party celebrating all things Art Deco would find a welcome home here. This weekend (May 10), members and friends of the Art Deco Society of California celebrated its annual Preservation Ball with a thoroughly elegant “blast from the past.” This year, the white-tie ball was inspired by the 1939 Treasure Island World’s Fair, including period favorite details that ranged from a jazz orchestra to dances performed by The Decobelles as well as hulu and can-can dancers, naturally. Bimbo’s 365 Club hosted about 300 revelers dressed to honor the 1920s, ’30s, and ’40s.

Browse the slideshow to get a glimpse of what it might have been like to party circa 1939.